All Together NOW! May-June 2023

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TRAIL TRIUMPH

GREAT news for wheelchair users and cyclists who enjoy being in the big outdoors

Liverpool’s historic Loop Line – an 11-mile trafficfree trail – is undergoing a major upgrade

A £500,000 scheme will make access easier for people using wheelchairs, handbikes, mobility scooters, prams – and horse riders

Upgrades to the route, that winds from Halewood to Aintree, have been funded by the city council and cycling charity Sustrans They include:

l Improving 30 access points

l Relocating barriers, such as street lighting columns and litter bins

l New bollards

l Improving access for maintenance vehicles

l Restoring dropped kerbs

l Resurfacing paths and footways

l Fencing improvements

l Widening access paths

Some trees have also been removed along the route as part of the pre-works programme as roots were eroding the geologically important sandstone along the path, and causing a hazard

The work is due to be completed by June and forms part of Liverpool’s ambitious active travel programme

This includes seven safer cycle routes across the city, as well as a new learn to ride facility for children in Everton Park Councillor Dan Barrington, cabinet member for climate change and highways, said: “The Liverpool Loop Line is like a magical corridor It’s in the city, but it makes you feel like you’re in the country

“Unfortunately, it is not currently accessible to everyone but I’m delighted we’re going to be able to change that through this investment

“Once it’s complete in the summer, it will be a much-improved resource for our residents and visitors giving them a free and healthy experience full of wonder and discovery that few other cities can match ”

Tim Hollins, Sustrans’ north west network manager, added: “These changes will make it much easier for people with mobility aids, families with buggies, and those with larger bikes to enjoy the health and transport benefits of a traffic-free path ”

. but just moving around neighbourhoods continues to be a struggle for many

Now get streets sor ted

AMASTERPLAN has been drawn up to improve the grim experience of disabled people moving around their own communities

The series of recommendations aimed at making the streets accessible to all follows research that paints a stark picture of how inaccessible and dangerous our neighbourhoods have become

In a survey of over 1,100 disabled people across the UK, more than two in five people face barriers to reaching their destination on foot or in a wheelchair

Now the Sustrans charity is calling on the Government and local authorities to ensure disabled people are at the centre of future planning

Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, said: “Putting disabled people at the centre of discussions about how we plan and create spaces where we can all

move around easily and safely is vital The Government must listen and take action to create places planned around people, not cars ”

“The recommendations are contained in a report from Sustrans that follows a six-month long Disabled Citizens Inquiry, which the charity produced in partnership with disabled people’s organisation Transport for All

They include:

l Prohibiting pavement parking to make communities more accessible

l Creation of a long-term dedicated pavement fund to improve and maintain pavements

l Ensuring disabled people can be within walking or wheeling distance of services and amenities by creating communities with accessible services close to where people live through better planning

missing

Are you out on benefits?

MORE than 600,000

disabled people could be missing out on thousands of pounds a year in benefits

New figures show 632,000 people are getting out-ofwork disability benefits for those with the highest support needs – but are not receiving disability living allowance (DLA) or personal independence payment (PIP)

It could mean tens or even hundreds of thousands of disabled people might be eligible for up to £156 a week more

Labour shadow minister for disabled people, Vicky Foxcroft obtained the figures and has called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to take action

She said the DWP should write to all 632,000 claimants to ask if they have considered applying for PIP

A DWP spokesperson said:

“PIP/DLA can help with some of the extra costs if your health condition or disability is expected to last 12 months, while ESA/Universal Credit can provide financial support to people whose disability or health condition affects how much they can work

“Receiving one benefit does not mean an individual will be eligible for the other ” l Disability Rights UK Handbook – p5

Covid-19: The cruel truth

HUGE numbers of disabled people say they are yet to recover from their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic National charity Sense have announced results of their latest study which will be used at the independent Covid-19 inquiry that starts on June 13

Sarah White, head of policy at Sense, said: “The upcoming public inquiry is an opportunity to learn from the mistakes that have happened during the pandemic and ensure that never again are disabled people treated as second class citizens We must seize it ”

FREEDOM: Better access on the way for cyclists of all abilities

Picture by Chris Foster, Sustrans

WHY THE FIGHT WHY THE FIGHT MUST MUST GO ON! GO ON!

years of bringing people together years of bringing people together

REGION ARE

HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

AVERY warm welcome to our 18th anniversary issue There have been many times when we thought we would never reach this milestone

Over the past decade hundreds of well-established local newspapers have collapsed, caused by the powerful surge of the internet and the seismic decline in advertising revenue

But, against all odds, we have been able to get this far How we’ve been able to do so is down to the tremendous and ongoing support we’ve had from organisations who understand the importance of All Together NOW!

They know there are more than HALF A MILLION people across Merseyside and Cheshire who are not internet users and have no other way of accessing the kind of help, advice,

guidance and inspiration that only this newspaper provides

It’s hardly surprising that the vast majority of these people are over 65, affected by disability, or simply can’t afford to go online

For 18 years, All Together NOW! has filled this vital gap As tough as it is, we are fully prepared to fight on But we also need a lot more help

I hope you like the edition as much as we have enjoyed producing it

We’re back in July See you then

TOM DOWLING editor

A NEW campaign is under way to fine airlines who fail in their obligations to disabled travellers

In a letter to the Prime Minister, MP Marion Fellows called for legislation to give the Civil Aviation Authority to impose fines on airlines who:

l Damage wheelchairs or essential mobility devices

l Leave disabled passengers on flights for a prolonged period once the flight has landed

l Fail to provide adequate assistance despite prior knowledge of disabled passengers’ needs

Mrs Fellows, Scottish National Party spokesperson for people with disabilities, said well-publicised cases of high profile disabled people like Sophie Morgan, Frank Gardner and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson are just the tip of the iceberg

She writes: “This Government has made a worthy commitment to make sure that disabled people are able to travel easily, confidently and without extra cost as outlined within the Inclusive Transport Strategy

“However, in the aviation industry, disabled passengers are unable to travel with ease or confidence and regularly face additional costs ”

Move to fine airlines failing disabled flyers Snap to it . . .

THE final call has gone out to people with Down’s syndrome to enter the international photography competition, My Perspective 2023

Every year, budding photographers from all over the world enter, and this year it’s bigger and better, with new categories, a child and adult section, and a new short film category

Winning entries will have their work displayed at a series of UK-wide exhibitions, and all those shortlisted will be invited to an awards night in London

Deadline, May 31

Down’s Syndrome Association Helpline: 0333 121 2300.

n www downs-syndrome org uk/ourwork/our-voice/my-perspective/

Benefits fast-tracked at time of most need

THOUSANDS of terminally ill people are to have disability benefits fast-tracked

People in their final year of life can now get vital financial support six months earlier than they were able to previously

Those who are eligible will not be required to attend a medical assessment, and in the majority of cases, they will receive the highest rate of benefits

This will apply to Personal Independent Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance

Mark Jackson, Marie Curie’s senior policy and research manager, said: “We are pleased to see these changes come into effect, having campaigned alongside terminally ill people and the Motor Neurone Disease Association to scrap the previous six-month rule ”

Alex Massey, head of campaigning at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, added: “This will enable more people with the disease to access the support they need quickly without the need for a face-to-face assessment ”

Help for the helpers

A NEW effort is being made to support unpaid black, Asian and minority ethnic carers who are not getting the help they need.

Often, they will not even recognise themselves as carers, with some languages lacking a distinct word for “carer”.

Now the Carers UK charity has released a best practice guide to advise organisations on how they can best support people from these backgrounds n Download the best practice guide at www carersuk org

Health Inequalities: Page 6

Hiden costs of cancer

PEOPLE with cancer are also having to cope with soaring daily living costs and the additional worry that comes with it

The research found 83% of people with cancer say unexpected expenses since their diagnosis are impacting their mental health, with over a third (36%) feeling the impact strongly

On top of that, 78% of people are struggling to pay bills as a result of the costs that come with a diagnosis

The poll was carried out for cancer support charity Maggies, whose chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: “It is unthinkable that someone worrying about cancer is also worrying about putting the heating on, getting to their hospital appointment or buying food ”

Pauline Thornley and Councillor

Lake sign the Liverpool Kinship Charter

City first to create of rights charter

UNSUNG CARERS WIN PROTECTION

LIVERPOOL has become the first place in the country to create a charter supporting the “unsung heroes” who care for the children of relatives or friends.

So-called “kinship carers” take in the children of parents who are no longer able to cope for a variety of reasons, which might include drug and alcohol abuse, bereavement, imprisonment or illness

Kinship carers can be grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbours and others and the support available to them from loca authorities and statutory services varies enormously, according to the charity Kinship Cllr Frazer Lake, Deputy Mayor of Liverpo cabinet member for children’s social care, said: “Kinship carers are very often our unsung heroes, not only because they care for children and young people, but because they help to keep family units together

‘Benefit reforms fit for are not purpose’

new charter, which is a national first, clearly out what kinship carers can rightly expect m the council and from other services which ght be commissioned, respecting the role ey play in caring for and supporting children who may often be vulnerable ”

Pauline Thornley, project co-ordinator for Liverpool Kinship Carers, said: “Being the first ity in the country to adopt a charter is a roud moment for all those families who have ndlessly campaigned over the years to bring out change ” n Byrne, MP for West Derby and member of cross-party parliamentary taskforce on kinship said: “I look forward to highlighting this ent nationally with all involved and using it as a template for kinship to roll out to other local authorities ”

It is estimated that there are about 180,000 children in the UK being looked after in a kinship family

Juggling jobs with loved ones

THE number of carers who are juggling employment with high levels of care has increased alarmingly over the past decade

Those in work who are spending between 20 and 49 hours a week caring for loved ones and friends has almost doubled, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics

In all, there are now 2 5m unpaid carers who are trying to balance employment and caring duties

Emily Holzhausen, director of policy and public affairs at Carers

UK, said: “Around half a million unpaid carers providing 20-49 hours of care a week are also in work,

while 400,000 providing more than 50 hours of care a week are managing to squeeze in time to work as well

“During a cost of living crisis when every pound counts, and when access to social care is so limited, it is vital that this group of carers is adequately supported by Government and employers to manage both roles

“For those carers providing more than 35 hours of care a week and receiving Carer ’s Allowance, it is vital that the earnings threshold is raised so that they are not penalised for working more hours We also want Carer ’s Allowance raised ” n Helpline: 0808 808 7777

The stark figures:

l 1 5m are caring for 19 hours or less

l 500,000 are caring for 20-49 hours

l 400,000 are caring for over 50 hours

l 43,000 are full-time students who are in employment

l 1 2m are retired

l 625,000 are looking after family or home

l 217,000 are long term sick or disabled

l 117,000 are unemployed and seeking work/waiting to start work (excluding students)

l 1 4m are women; 1m are men

CAMPAIGNERS

have slammed controversial new disability benefits reforms

They were giving evidence as part of a Commons women and equalities committee inquiry into the Government’s National Disability Strategy

They mostly focused on plans in the Transforming Support white paper to scrap the work capability assessment (WCA), and to tighten the benefits sanctions regime

Under the WCA plans, sick and disabled people who cannot work would only be able to qualify for a new health element of universal credit if they also received the extra costs benefits personal independence payment (PIP) or disability living allowance

This would mean that responsibility for deciding if a disabled person had to carry out work-related activity would be handed to work coaches, who would be likely to have no healthcare qualifications

Bad practice

Fazilet Hadi, head of policy for Disability Rights UK, said that leaving it to individual work coaches to decide what work-related activity a disabled person should carry out would leave disabled people exposed to bad practice

She claimed there would be people who were not fit for work but would not qualify for PIP and therefore be ineligible for the new health element of universal credit under the new system

Martin McLean, senior policy adviser for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “It’s frustrating that disabled young people have not been considered because they can face the biggest barriers in terms of moving into work ”

The disabled Conservative peer Lord Kevin Shinkwin said: “In effect, it is one step forward, two steps back in terms of creating concern and anxiety among disabled people

“I don’t think the PIP assessment was designed to be fit for purpose for what it is now being proposed it should be used for ”

Connecting with 250,000 people across the region . .

PROUD MOMENT:

Frazer

Pioneering bid to treat age-related sight loss

Big push for eye remedy

EXCITING new research could lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of an eye disease affecting 190 million people worldwide

Ground-breaking techniques will be used to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common condition affecting the vision, particularly in older people

It is believed the project could provide the key to new treatments for AMD and help develop new and faster ways to diagnose and prevent it

A team of scientists led by a Northumbria University professor will use a type of stem cell that allows them to follow the development of the disease and the effects of treatment at different stages

The cutting-edge research has been made possible by £100,000 in funding from the

Academy of Medical Sciences’ Springboard

scheme

The macula is part of the retina at the back of eye that allows you to see fine detail and is responsible for our central vision Macula cells can deteriorate for a number of reasons, the most common being ageing, but smoking, poor diet, high blood pressure and genetic history can all play a part too

Blurred vision

Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and seeing straight lines as wavy The condition can develop slowly over several years or can develop very quickly and so far, there is no cure

The risk of developing advanced AMD increases from 2% for those aged 50-59, to nearly 30% for those over 75

In 2020, the condition is believed to affect

Come up with answers, benefits officials told

THE Department for Work and Pensions has been warned over its failure to properly answer requests for information on disability benefits, universal credit and claimant deaths Information commissioner John Edwards criticised officials for “systematically failingto comply with the law”

more than 190 million people globally but tthat figure is expected to rise to 288 million people by 2040 as the elderly population increases Dr Gerrit Hilgen, an assistant professor in neuroscience at Northumbria University, who is leading the work, said the project was “at the forefront of discovery “This will help us better understand AMD as well as find new ways to treat the disease ”

Professor Dianne Ford, from the university’s faculty of health and life sciences, said: “These awards are highly competitive and prestigious The fact that Gerrit has secured this award is testament to the excellence of his research ”

Dr Suzanne Candy, from the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “Together with our partners, we are fortunate to be able to support this talented group of researchers doing excellent science ”

He said cases were increasingly being brought to him where the public interest in releasing information was “not being adequately considered” by DWP

If DWP fails to confirm that it has complied with the report’s recommendations, it could be issued with an enforcement notice and possibly be subject to an “adverse comment” in a report to Parliament

A DWP spokesperson said: “The department is carefully considering all points raised by the Information Commissioner ’s Office and will take any necessary steps to implement any changes required ahead of the ICO’s deadline of 23 June

“The department takes very seriously its compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and compliance with the Cabinet Office code of practice ”

BLURRED VISION: How life appears to people with AMD

Sight loss veterans ‘back on peaks’

Emotional support for deaf cancer patients

DEAF people living with cancer can now access emotional and practical support

Macmillan Cancer Support and Self Help UK have joined forces to improve the support available

Claire Adshead, who has been deaf since birth, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019 and struggled to find support

She said: “When I saw the surgeon, I didn’t have a BSL interpreter Luckily, I was able to lipread and understand the surgeon well

“But afterwards, I needed more support, someone to talk to and I found there were no support groups in my area ”

When her treatment was finished, Claire joined the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Group She said: “The group gives out information that I wished I knew before I started treatment It’s helped me a lot plus made me feel I am not alone through my cancer journey as a deaf person

“Now I am officially part of the team to do more good work with deaf people living with cancer ”

n Macmillan Helpline: 0808 808 00 00

Care supply shrinking

ONE in three adult care providers have considered closing in the past year, a shock new report reveals

The Sector Pulse Check report has highlighted the unique challenges facing social care as a result of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and decades of under-investment by central government

Financial and workforce pressures have also seen 42% of providers forced to close parts of their organisation or hand back care contracts to local authorities

WHAT

We’re vir tually at the summit!

PEOPLE with limited vision are “climbing” their favourite mountains again, thanks to virtual reality headsets.

Jason Turnbull makes videos of his climbs on a 360-degree camera and shows it to visually impaired military veterans on VR headsets

Keen climbers no longer able to make the ascent themselves have been overwhelmed by the experience, which they say is “like being back on the hills”

Because the VR headset lenses are close to their eyes, the veterans can experience the video footage like everyone else

macular degeneration, had to give up her hill walking due to her vision impairment

She said: “The VR is just wonderful It is just like you are back there again It brings back so many happy memories for me I can see the whole landscape, all the tremendous views It really is like I am walking up the hills again ”

Jason was inspired to begin filming after watching 360-degree videos on YouTube

“I thought ‘I can do better than that’ So I bought a 360-degree camera and took it up the hills with me

“I then began showing the footage to the veterans who were keen walkers, and those who weren’t, and there was a very positive reaction ”

MORE people from ethnic minority groups died or suffered severe illness during the pandemic because their risk of infection was greater

Researchers who analysed results from 77 research studies across the world – covering 200 million people – found that the biggest driver of ethnic inequalities was exposure to the virus

Five UK universities were involved in examining the figures which showed that compared to the white majority group, South Asian people were three times more likely to test positive for infection, black people 1 8 times more likely, and mixed and other ethnic groups 1 3 times more likely

Among studies that looked at the risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19 in the whole population, black people were 1 5 times more likely to be admitted to hospital than the white majority, indigenous people 1 9 times more likely and Hispanic people 1 32 times more likely

Intensive care

Job prejudice exposed

AGEISM, sexism and racism are all still rife in the UK jobs market.

Researchers posing as job seekers found discrimination against older job seekers is worse still if they are black or female.

A series of fictitious applications were made for real job vacancies to test the chances of gaining an interview for people of different age, sex and ethnicity.

The results revealed the younger white British male candidate was 16% more likely than the 50-year-old white British male to secure an interview; 18% more likely than the 50-year-old white British female; 22% more likely than the 50-year-old black British male; and 29% more likely than the 50-year-old black British female.

In the research by Anglia Ruskin University, the younger white British male was also offered interviews for jobs that had higher wages.

Jason, who works at Sight Scotland Veterans Centre in Paisley, is working his way through the Monros – Scotland’s highest peaks

He said: “I edit the footage and show the veterans when I come back, and they are saying it is absolutely unbelievable ”

Noreen Smith, a former army nurse who has

“I have been going around as many Munros as I can so they can come with me I am starting with the centrally located ones, in and around Crianlarich, like Ben More and Stob Binnein

“It is so rewarding to watch them and see their reaction ”

n Sight Scotland Veterans: Tel 0141 370 8050

Dr Patsy Irizar, from The University of Manchester, who led the work, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened existing ethnic inequalities in health, and responses must focus on tackling the drivers of these inequalities, including structural racism and racial discrimination ”

TRIBUTES have been paid to Baroness Masham, a former Paralympc star and the longest ever serving female member of the House of Lords who has died aged 87

After winning medals in swimming and table-tennis at the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Paralymics, she was created a life peer in 1970

Much of her career was spent campaigning for disability rights

The Spinal Injuries Association, which she founded in 1974, said it was “devastated to have lost our greatest champion” Lady Masham, born Susan

Sinclair, became a wheelchair user after suffering an injury to her spinal cord in a riding accident in 1958

Two years later, she won a gold medal in the 25m breaststroke at the Paralympic games in Rome, and in 1964 won another in the women’s doubles table tennis in Tokyo

She won a further six silver medals and two bronze across both sports in the three games at which she competed

In 1976 she was the subject of an episode of ITV’s This Is Your Life She sat as a crossbencher and spent a total of 53 years in the House of Lords, more than any other female peer in history

The research into the state of adult care was commissioned by national learning disability charity Hft and Care England, the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England. Connecting with 250,000 people across the region

The report also showed the risk of needing intensive care was also higher –South Asian, East Asian, indigenous, Hispanic and black groups all had more than triple the risk than white majority groups

Different patterns of employment, income and housing affected the level of risk faced by people from different ethnicities

For instance, people from ethnic minority groups are more likely to have publicfacing jobs, less likely to be able to self-isolate or work from home, more likely to live in overcrowded housing, and less likely to have access to open spaces

A VIEW: Jason in the hills Inset, one of the blind verterans with a VR headset

CAMPAIGNING: Lady Masham

‘Our great champion’

Covid-19 ‘made health inequalit y worse’

Change lives – that’s what we do

THE Steve Morgan Foundation has been changing people’s lives ever since it was founded by entrepreneur Steve Morgan CBE in 2001

The philanthropist has committed assets of £300m, and the Foundation has funded everything from the purpose-built Maggie’s Wirral, cuttingedge research into type1 diabetes, as well as helping charities struggling with the impact of Covid-19

However, one of the biggest changes the Foundation has consistently made to the lives of

individuals and their families has been through the Enable Fund

The Enable Fund supports people of all ages in financial hardship, who are in need of specialised equipment, including mobility aids, wheelchairs and trikes

The list also includes sleep systems, car seats, sensory equipment and communication aids

Mr Morgan explained: “The Enable Fund was set up to support people to do the things most of us take for granted It helps them to lead more fulfilling lives ”

POWER to the PEOPLE!

THE first purpose-built mental health and wellbeing hub attached to a Premier League football club is now officially open to help people across Merseyside

The multi-million-pound venue offers a first of its kind service delivered by a football club’s community foundation

It has all been made possible thanks to significant funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation, the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, and Phil Brown, who founded enginerering

company, Causeway Technologies

Liam Eaglestone, CEO of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “This wonderful new facility will enable Everton in the Community to give more people more access

Our funding is opening new doors

in the Community’s 15 mental health projects and provide wellbeing activities

to a broad range of activities and specialist support to enhance every area of health and wellbeing ”

The building, located just 500 metres away from Goodison Park, will house Everton

The People’s Place was declared open by Evertonian and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham He said: “This is a much-needed facility that will enable Everton in the Community to continue to grow and develop its well-earned reputation in delivering high-quality mental health provision as well as providing access to key clinical services ”

Boost for therapy centre

A CENTRE that’s helping people with long-term neurological conditions is expanding its services, thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation

The Neuro Therapy Centre, which supports people across North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside, has received a grant of £91,278 to fund the salary of an additional therapist at its Saltney premises

One in ten people in the UK has one of the neurological conditions that the centre supports through a wide range of activities

The centre has an oxygen

therapy capsule, a fitness gym, a physiotherapy facility, therapy rooms and a cafe area

Demand for services is high and membership is due to increase by 50% – with physio sessions going from 155 a month to 210 over the coming months

Jane Johnston-Cree, CEO, said:

“The Steve Morgan Foundation is a wonderful supporter of small charities like ourselves, and we’re so grateful for their support

“Fundraising is getting tougher but the demand for our services keeps increasing ”

Jane Harris, Director of Grants at the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “The Foundation has supported The Neuro Therapy Centre with various grants since 2011, when it was known as The Multiple Sclerosis Centre

“We have been hugely impressed with how this charity has grown and adapted its services to reach a wider audience and to provide extensive support, both face to face and online

“We are delighted to maintain support to underpin their continued growth ”

BIG SUPPORTER: Steve Morgan CBE, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, addressing the audience

STRETCH FOR IT . . . Picture, Ashleigh Ann Photography

Region’s children losing vital help

CHILDREN with sight loss are missing out on vital support as budgets are cut and specialist teachers lost

And young people in the North West are being hit hardest

The Royal National institute of Blind People has revealed that despite an increase in the need for specialist support, nearly half (42%) of local authority visual impaired education (VI) teams in England have experienced real term cuts through budgets being cut or frozen in the past year.

And through a Freedom of Information request, the charity found 60% of local authorities reported a decrease or freeze in specialist VI teachers in the last 12 months.

As a result, half of all children and young people with vision impairment will have their access to specialist support adversely affected

The North West is most affected by the cuts, with 57% of local authorities experiencing cuts and freezes to budgets

Caireen Sutherland, RNIB’s head of education, said: “We are extremely concerned that caseloads continue to rise and access to vital specialist support is being reduced

“This will not only impact on education, but will have a significant impact on children’s opportunities in later life.

“We need immediate actions from the Government to improve access to specialist VI support ”

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Final wave for canine surging hero Ricochet

THE world’s first surf therapy dog has died after a lifetime devoted to helping others.

Ricochet, the canine legend and star of film, TV shows and books, succumbed to liver cancer, aged 15.

She became the first ever canine assisted surf therapy dog in 2009 when she jumped on the board of a 15-year-old boy with a spinal cord injury and instinctively balanced it.

Since then she has surfed with children with special

needs, wounded warriors, adaptive surfers, a goat, pro surfers and more.

Her exploits were regularly featured in All Together NOW!

Ricochet’s work won many awards such as an American Humane Association Hero Dog Award, and the American Red Cross Hero award.

Her guardian, Judy Fridono, said: “I don’t want people to be sad, I want them to celebrate and continue supporting what she started.”

STOP THIS SUFFERING

NURSES, carers and politicians are all backing a major campaign to stop spinal cord injured patients suffering appalling neglect by being denied essential bowel care

Politicians of all parties came together in Parliament to hear calls for an end to the “needless suffering” experienced in a medical setting by many whose bladder and bowel function is affected by injury

The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) says specialist bowel care is an issue that has been routinely ignored by policy makers for years, with serious consequences for patients

A spinal cord injury affects all bodily

functions below the point of injury including bladder and bowel function

Many patients have told the charity shocking stories of neglect, like Heather Scott from Leicestershire

She said: “I was instructed to get on with my own bowel care even if that meant messing the bed, so I soiled myself many times Humiliated

“I’ve been spinal cord injured for over 40 years and have never felt as humiliated and frustrated as I did then ”

Another, Terry Turner from Liverpool, said of his experience of poor bowel care: “If that was animals in a zoo the bosses would be jailed, and the zoo closed down ”

Disabled people

leading change

DISABILITY Rights UK is the largest national charity led by, run by, and working for disabled people

It works with Disabled People’s Organisations and Government across the UK to influence regional and national change for better rights, benefits, quality of life and economic opportunities for disabled people

DR UK’s distinctive position means it can put concerns strongly and directly to government, infrastructure and service providers, and care regulators

It was strongly involved in lobbying the major supermarkets to provide priority shopping and online delivery slots for disabled customers

It continues to provide vital information to disabled people across the country through its helplines, news updates and factsheets

Unique services, such as its Student Helpline, provide information about how to access support at university It also partners with various grass roots organisations in the North West to run projects enabling disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity

Naturally, the charity’s resources were stretched during the Covid-19 pandemic and donations are very welcome at www justgiving com/disabilityrightsuk

OUT NOW Everything yo need to know

THE new Disability Rights Handbook provides in-depth, comprehensive guidance on the benefits system, explains how social care operates around the UK and includes information about other services and resources for disabled people

And it’s full of tools and tactics to help you make a succe claim

Written in plain English by benefits’ specialists and legally referenced, it’s the only user-friendly guide designed for both claimants and advisers

Fully updated for 2023/24 and easy to find your way around, it has the answers you need, to claim what you’re entitled to, or challenge an unsuccessful application for benefits or social care n Reduced price copies for individuals are available online at www disabilityrightsuk org/shop or by calling 020 3687 0790

Dave Bracher, SIA’s campaigns manager, said: “Many will be shocked and appalled to hear the stories we are going to be sharing, but this is the reality of life for far too many spinal cord injured people ”

Mohammed Belal, a consultant urological surgeon at University Hospital Birmingham, sustained a spinal cord injury after being struck by a tree in 2021 He believes the hardest part of his recovery was the bowel care

Mr Belal said: ”Poor bowel care can have significant mental and emotional effects, with a decreased quality of life, social isolation, and depression It is so important to get it right ”

Genuine Radar NKS Key

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If you have a health condition or disability, finding an accessible toilet that’s clean, tidy and available for you to use can be a challenge

And they’re often kept locked

l The Radar key gives you access to over 9,000 locked disabled public toilets around the UK

l Disability Rights UK manages the Radar NKS Scheme and relies on key sales to maintain it

l Don’t risk buying a cheap copy that may not work

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Genuine Radar Key £5 00 including P&P

Available from: www disabilityrightsuk org/shop

Help when you need it most

United Utilities is calling on its customers to take advantage of FREE support with their water services.

Since launching in May 2016, more than 300,000 people across the North West have now registered for United Utilities’ Priority Services scheme.

Amanda Phillips, Priority Services manager at United Utilities said: “Our Priority Services scheme is free to all our customers who may need a bit of extra support in life. This could be due to age, ill health, disability, mental language barriers.

“By registering for our scheme, we can make sure you receive the right support from us during those times water to repair a leak, or if we need to visit you in your own home.

“A lot of people I speak to tell me they don’t need this support, but I always say that we all know at least one a parent, friend or neighbour - so register them on their behalf if you think we could help.”

Services include:

• A dedicated team on hand to listen and help

• Braille, large print, ‘talking’ bills and text relay service

• Knock and wait service. If you tell us you have mobility needs and we have to visit your home, we will wait allowing enough time for you to answer the door

• Nominate a carer, family member or friend to check your bills and speak to us on your behalf

• Additional support if you have a medical need for water.

• Protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme

• Notice of interruptions to your water supply

• Translation services

• Every two years we’ll check that your details are still correct

Supporting DAD!

One of the UK's biggest and best disability events is taking place in Warrington again this summer.

Disability Awareness Day takes place at Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington on Sunday 16th July with a huge tented village attracting thousands of visitors with lots of entertainment for people of all ages.

Amanda Phillips, Priority Services manager at United Utilities said: “Disability Awareness Day is a fantastic event we’ve supported for many years. We’re proud to be one of the main sponsors again this year, and look forward to meeting lots of customers who visit our information stand.”

The event opens at 10am and entry is FREE. Visit: www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk for further details.

Scan the QR code to visit our Priority Services webpage, where you can click on ‘Accessibility Help’ to turn on text-to-speech or change the language used on our website.

To register for Priority Services apply online at: unitedutilities.com/priorityservices or call 0345 672 2888

Mobilit y vehicle exper ts really growing places!

ALLIED Vehicles is boosting production to more than 7,500 vehicles a year – and recruiting more staff – as it prepares to make inroads into the European market.

They are looking for more than 70 people to join its team, mostly in its pre-production and production areas, after two years of a postCovid famine, exacerbated by global vehicle supply problems and the war in Ukraine

The Glasgow-based family firm, established almost 30 years ago, converts a variety of vehicles to make them suitable for wheelchair users, both passengers and drivers

Operations director George McAdam said: “The plans we have put in place will bring an additional 78 people into the business

“During the slump we had less than a day’s worth of cars at times Now, for the first time in about 18 months, we are getting a week to two weeks’ worth of base vehicles here ready to convert ”

Peter Facenna, the company’s managing director, added: “Most people probably think we only make things here for Glasgow and Scotland, but we make them for all of the UK and now, most of western Europe ”

7 Judi backs Blue Badge protesters

DAME Judi Dench has taken on a new role – campaigning for a ban on Blue Badge parking in York city centre to be lifted

A permanent ban on disabled parking in pedestrianised areas was introduced in November 2021

The decision angered many of those affected, who said they had been made to feel like “second-class citizens”

Now the Oscar-winning actress says she is giving her wholehearted support to the Reverse The Ban group Dame Judi, 88, who was born in Heworth, York, said: “York city centre is a rare jewel that should be free for all to enjoy, including those with a disability and for whom accessible parking is essential

“As someone living with sight loss, I know only too well how gaining access to places can be exceptionally difficult

“York city centre fully accessible th these types of sch

“I should like to my wholehearted support to people are asking the loc council to reconsi any ban to the Blu Badge scheme in city centre ”

Marilyn Crawsha from the group Re The Ban, said the “absolutely deligh message from the J

The parking ban came into force after the council installed anti-terror measures to prevent the risk of so-called hostile vehicle attacks

Councillors previously said they had approved a series of mitigation measures,

ropped kerbs, the employment of an cer and a feasibility study into an shuttle service findings from a new study by postgraduate students from the University of York has found the Blue Badge ban had wideranging impacts, not only affecting current and future badge holders but also their family members and carers

Fazilet Hadi, head of policy at Disability

Rights UK, said: “This report strips away the spurious justification that the ban was necessary to prevent terrorism

“We urge York City Council to consider the report and reverse the ban It is hugely discriminatory, and has stopped thousands of disabled people and their families from accessing public services and social, retail and cultural opportunities open to all other citizens ”

Lack of info is a real problem

IT’S SOMETHING anyone affected by disability knows only too well

Now there’s some hard evidence to back it up: disabled people ARE being excluded from everyday life due to poor access information

And that even applies to those who are lucky enough to be able to use the internet to find out what they can do and where they can go

Research by disabled access charity

Euan’s Guide shows that almost threequarters of the 7,500 disabled people questioned found accessibility information on a venue’s website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate

A similar number also reported having experienced a disappointing trip or having

never I’ll never forget day forget day

had to change plans due to poor accessibility

Powerchair user Euan MacDonald, founder of the guide, said: “Businesses are undervaluing disabled people both in terms of social inclusion and spending power ”

Euan set up the guide in 2013 with his sister, Kiki, after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease He said: “We encourage disabled people to review the places they visit on EuansGuide com and use the website to find first-hand experiences of disabled access at venues across the UK and beyond

“Likewise, if you work at a venue, please promote your disabled access information in your own communications and by listing on our guide for free ”

JOHN PAFFATT’s life changed completely at 16 when he was told he had a few months to live or have the whole of his right leg amputated to rid me of cancer

The good news, he says, was he was still alive: The bad, was he now had to readjust to being disabled

GROWING up in the 60s, I loved sports and was in both the school football and cricket teams

Then, when I was 11 and during a football match, I had the most excruciating pain in the right side of my groin

The pain periodically returned and after several visits to our local doctor, I was referred to an orthopaedic consultant, who said the sensation was psychological, and that I was simply trying to get out of school

When I was 15, I had a biopsy on the area It showed nothing untoward, but I knew deep down something was not right I had experienced four years of shooting pains in my groin, and they were getting progressively worse

By the time I reached 16, a sarcoma had been discovered in my thigh All I understood was an operation was necessary to remove it – not the seriousness of it It was a strange feeling to be vindicated, quite irrational

knowing I was right and the consultant wrong

So, just five months into my apprenticeship as a gas fitter, doctors operated but failed to remove all the cancer

Despair

Shortly afterwards my parents were told I only had four to six months to live

They shared the brunt of this because I was not told I had the disease

I can only imagine the pain and despair for them now as a parent now myself, because when your child hurts so do you The

cancer was eating away at me With no appetite, I weighed only six and half stone (41 kilos) Three weeks later, after being examined by two specialists, my parents were told there was a 50/50 chance I would survive if I had my whole right leg removed

After seeing the family doctor, who said “If it was my son, I would let him die rather than go through the operation”, they initially said no But after a heartwrenching and painful talk with my consultant, they left the decision to me

I will never forget the day they returned from seeing him at the hospital and tearfully told me: “They want to amputate your leg ”

It was like receiving an electric shock I had no idea what to do, but after the initial trauma, I chose the possibility of life over the certainty of death

For me, it was an obvious decision What would be the point of hanging on to something that was killing me?

So, in June 1967, after five months of radiotherapy

I’ll

I chose to I chose to lose a leg lose a leg

ACCESS CAMPAIGNER: Euan MacDonald

I had a hemipelvectomy the removal of the whole leg and part of the pelvis I was 16, my life was just beginning, yet now the pathway forward would be so different than anything I could ever have imagined

Three months later, I had my first fitting for an artificial leg It was made up of what’s known as a bucket socket, with two belts around my waist and a strap over each shoulder I was also handed two walking sticks

Every step was painful, as it is to this day, but after a while my pain threshold rose to meet the needs of independent mobility

Eventually, after a difficult eight months, I managed to get rid of both shoulder straps and walking sticks

But my days as a gas fitter were over Thankfully, the gas board transferred me to a role to the drawing office, and I was able to buy my first car

This gave me a measure of freedom, but I wanted the fun and excitement that I knew I was missing out on

After having a few girlfriends, I met Ann, a beautiful 18-year-old who embraced my disability without a second thought

We fell in love and were married a year later

In our mid-20s, we moved to a new house and Ann gave birth to our daughter, Donna, followed by two boys, Darren

and Jamie It was a wonderful time in both our lives

To the children, their dad has always had just one leg To me though, there were times when I wished I could chase them around the garden, play football or simply carry them in my arms

Fortunately, my disability never impacted on my ability to work It was never an issue

And after switching jobs several times, I found one which I really enjoyed in the oil and gas industry, starting as a planning engineer It was an exciting job with some travel home and abroad

My career was moving forward, but when Ann was 36, we had the devastating news of her breast cancer diagnosis A

mastectomy was necessary and eight years of operations, chemotherapy and deterioration culminated in her untimely death in November 1995, at 44 – just 12 days short of our silver anniversary

Love again

It left me totally shattered Somehow, I had to be mum and dad to our three now teenage children – and hold down a fulltime job It was hard and painful for all of us

I never thought it would happen, but just over a year after losing Ann, I met Brenda, who had two young boys, Lewis, 14, and Russell, 10 I fell madly in love again We married six years later and recently celebrated our 20th anniversary

I have been truly blessed with her

Looking back on my life, I have learned to manage my disability, limiting my walking where possible, using the shortest routes and finding pain relief options, which worked most of the time but not always Nerve pain is unbearable and if you cannot manage it with medication it is very debilitating and drags you down to a dreadful place But I still have hang ups – like seeing myself walk, for instance

My devastating experience in life has been tough, but I believe I am a better person for it I have more empathy and appreciate such simple things in life, like watching the birds and seeing the wonderful colours in a garden or in the sky

I know the ravages of time on my body will further limit my walking, but I am pushing myself forever onward to enjoy life with Brenda, who encourages me and gives me such a special love

We share and have fun every single day What a wonderful life it has been, and I count myself lucky to this day

And my advice to a 16-yearold faced with amputation from the same terrible disease would be: say goodbye to your old life

Your new life starts now, you cannot go back Embrace your disability and push yourself onwards to a full and rewarding life

ANORTH West hotel is proving that providing good quality accessible accommodation is actually great for business

While the cost of living crisis bites across the industry, Manchester ’s Hotel Brooklyn made £217,000 from its accessible suites and events in 2022 alone

Accessible features extend from bedrooms and bathrooms to conference rooms, restaurant, bar, and mini cinema And it’s all made the hotel a sought-after event venue for groups that include guests with access needs

Owners Bespoke Hotels say the venue proves the business case for embedding accessibility from the outset Its most regular repeat visitors, who have each visited more than 50 times, are both wheelchair users travelling with service dogs

Robin Sheppard, Bespoke president, said: “We have demonstrated how accessibility can be incorporated into a luxury hotel

“We hope tthis will inspire others to help make UK hospitality more accessible for all ”

Inclusive design specialist Motionspot was employed to design and supply the 18 accessible suites and build in attractive access principles and features throughout the hotel’s communal areas

Among accessible features are:

n Ceiling track hoists subtly concealed in light fittings and stored within built-in storage

n Wall-mounted basins featuring discreet integrated hand grips that can be used from a seated or standing position

n Discreet accessible bedroom furniture including safes, mini-bars, wardrobes, desks, and adjustable height robe hooks

n Interconnecting rooms for family and carer access

n Well planned circulation space throughout the hotel including stylish wheelchair accessible public toilets

Accessible tourism in England is a £15 3 billion a year market, with guests requiring accessible rooms tending to travel with others, take longer trips, and stay loyal to hospitality venues that get it right

BLESSED: John and Brenda

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Ann and our children First car

On the right track for all

Pain and – but my heartache life has been so rewarding

DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY: SUNDAY JULY 16

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE:

Highlights from last year ’s Disability Awareness Day.

This year ’s event is set to be another cracker Make sure you are there . . .

A DAY TO REME

THE countdown has started for the biggest disability event in the North West

The 32nd annual Disability Awareness Day – affectionately known as DAD – is all set to return to Walton Hall Gardens, near Warrington

After last year ’s hugely successful event that followed the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers Warrington Disability Partnership are determined to make this show even better!

Dave Thompson, chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, said:

“We are delighted to say that DAD just gets better and better When we started the event all those years ago, we couldn’t have imagined it would become so big and so popular

“The event has also inspired other disability organisations across the world to set up their own DADs

“The day brings together people of all ages and abilities, and is now firmly established as THE place to visit for getting instant information about a wide range of disability and health issues

‘We’re all working hard to make the day as enjoyable as we can, so make sure to get along and make it a day to remember!”

The historical Walton Hall and Gardens will once again be transformed into a tented village housing more than 240 exhibitors promoting independent living DAD caters for families and people of all ages, with over 120 disability support charities promoting services to help people with living with mental health issues, sensory impairments as well as providing help for those with neurological,

THE WEEK leading up to DAD is always full of exciting and interesting events Parking on site is available for all events July 10-14

Tues July 11: 10 30am-1pm

Disability Confident Walton Gardens Event for employers

Recruitment and retention, reasonable adjustments and funding

For more info call

J Balshaw@disabilitypartnership org uk or tel 01925 240064

Tues July 11: 7pm-9 30pm

Creating Adventures: One Time Only Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens A variety show with a difference Licenced bar Tickets £5 available online

Wed July 12: 10.30am-3.30pm.

Ignite your Life Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust Mental health and wellbeing event Workshops, talks, activities, information stands Free refreshment available, including

physical and learning disabilities

Dozens of businesses will be featuring a wide range of mobility and independent products, wheelchair accessible vehicles, and car adaptations

Statutory service providers will have a strong presence supplying information about health, social care, education and

n Warrington Disability Partnership: Tel 01925 240064

buffet lunch For more info Dennis Dewar via dennis dewar@merseyca or tel 01925 664850

Wed July 12: 7pm-9 30p Summertime Special. Ar Marquee, Walton Garden entertainment from the tea amazing Ella Performance

An evening of dance, sing much more Tickets £5 av online

Thurs July 13: 6pm-9 30

employment services

There will also be a “Can Zone with scuba diving in a inclusive cricket, wheelcha football, wheelchair basket chi, martial arts, sports for visually impaired people –wheelchair Rugby League

n www disabilityawarenessday org uk

Licenced

SHOPMOBILIT Y

n ALTRINCHAM Tel 0161 929 1714

n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE Tel 0161 339 9500

n BARROW Tel 01229 434039

n BIRKENHEAD Tel 0151 647 6162

n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217

n BLACKPOOL Tel 01253 349427

n BOLTON Tel 01204 392946

n CARLISLE Tel 01228 631564

n CHESTER Tel 01244 312626

n CHORLEY Tel 01257 260 888

n COLWYN BAY Tel 01492 533822

n ELLESMERE PORT Tel 01244 312626

n KENDAL Tel 01539 740 933

n LEIGH, Wigan Tel 01942 777 985

n LIVERPOOL Tel 0151 707 0877

n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre Tel 0161 747 2684

n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre Tel 0161 839 4060

n NELSON Tel 01282 692 502

n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01244 312626

n OSWESTRY Tel 01691 656882

n PENRITH Tel 01768 895 438

n PRESTON Tel 01772 204 667

n RHYL Tel 01745 350665

n ROCHDALE Tel 01706 865 986

n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 710144

n SHREWSBURY Tel 01743 236900

SKELMERSDALE Tel 01695 550066

n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 666 1100

n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 240064

n WARRINGTON Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411

WIDNES: 0151 511 8833

n WIGAN Tel 01942 776 070

n WINSFORD Tel 01244 312626

n WREXHAM Tel 01978 312390

MIDLANDS

n BIRMINGHAM Snow Hill

Railway Station Tel 0121 236 8980 Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring Tel 0121 616 2942

n STAFFORD Tel 01785

619456

n STOKE ON TRENT Tel 01782 233333

n SUTTON COLDFIELD Tel 0121 355 1112

n TAMWORTH Tel, 01827 709392

n WALSALL Tel 01922

650781

Richard: ‘I’m rooting for you’

THE new head of a Merseyside-based charity has vowed to ensure the hundreds of autistic adults they support “have a voice that is heard”

Former support worker Richard Whitby is returning to his Wirral roots to become chief executive of Autism

Together

From its Bromborough base, the organisation supports autistic people of all ages, with around 800 staff providing residential, supported living and day services to over 400 autistic adults, and support to many more families across Merseyside and Cheshire Whitby, who has held senior leadership roles with some of the UK’s largest care providers, said: “Autism Together will continue to be a modern, inclusive charity, working positively for the people we support and our dedicated staff teams

“I want to ensure the people we support genuinely have a voice and that this voice is heard, so we need to help push the dialogue on autism acceptance and support ” 0

Baking star backing autism charity

GREAT British Bake Off finalist Sandro

Farmhouse has become a Celebrity Ambassador for the National Autistic Society

TV star and baker Sandro, who makes autism friendly recipes, will help to highlight the work of the national charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families

He launched Baking on the Spectrum, an online workshop for autistic children and their families, as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic Over the past two years, it has worked with over 100 families

Sandro, who reached the final of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off in 2022, said: “I’m

excited to ge in increasing acceptance a understandin autism ”

Caroline St the Society’s executive, sa are delighted welcome San board as Cel Ambassador greatly appre his time and for our charity “We’re look forward to wo together with transform live attitudes and society that w people ” n NAS: Tel.

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933

n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support Tel 01253 472 202

Textphone 01253 476 450

n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853

n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655

LPLINES

sonal Budgets ne 30 995 0404

ng hours: m-1.30pm, Tues hurs

nalbudgets@di yrightsuk org abled Students ne 30 995 0414 ng hours: 1pm on Tues hurs nts@disabilityri k org

pe’s Disabilty mation and e Line (DIAL) hone 800 3333

789 7365

n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544

n STOKE: Disability Solutions

Tel 01782 683800

n WOLVERHAMPTON

Elder and Disabled Group

Tel 01902 448552

n WEST MIDS Amputee Group 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

AT THE HELM: New autism charity chief Richrad Whitby

THE WHEELQUEENTHE WHEELQUEEN

THE UK’S first all-wheelchair professional dance company has been wowing audiences

Propel Dance staged three stunning performances of their reimagined version of Hans Christian Anderson’s fantastical fairy tale, The Snow Queen

The company secured funding from Arts Council England to pilot a short tour of the Midlands – their first ever live shows

The Birmingham-based outfit was founded by Helen Mason, who has a track record of making dance for and with disabled people for over 20 years

Helen said: “There are few professional opportunities for wheelchair dancers, and we want to be that change; to create something that enables progression and inspiration to future generations ” Want to know more about the company?

n Contact Helen: Tel. 07817 372578. Info.propeldance@gmail.com

A world of audio books to choose from

PUBLISHING giant Bloomsbury have donated their entire audio book collection to the free Talking Books Library run by blind people’s charity RNIB

The worldwide publishing house’s collection includes around 600 titles and every future Bloomsbury audio book will also be added to RNIB’s Library

RNIB launched its online library two years ago, offering people with sight loss instant access to free books in formats they can read – including audio It now has close to 40,000 Talking Books in its collection

Sam Halstead, director of audio at Bloomsbury, said, “We have long admired the brilliant work of the Talking Books Library and it is great to know every audio book we publish will be available to the library’s users ”

n RNIB helpline: 0303 123 9999

VISUAL PROBLEMS

n ACCRINGTON

Tel 01254 233332

n BARROW Tel 01229

820698

n BIRMINGHAM Action for

Blind Tel 0121 665 4200

n BLACKBURN

Tel 0125 554143

n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision

Tel 01253 362696

n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014

n BURNLEY

Tel 01282 438507

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON

Tel 01254 387 444

n BLACKBURN with DARWEN

Tel 01254 688

www bwdcarers org

n BLACKPOOL

Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716

nCUMBRIA

Carlisle

Tel 01228 542 156

Penrith

Tel 01768 890 280

Barrow-in-Furness

Tel 01229 822 822

Kendal

Tel 01539 732 927

Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223

n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON

Helpline:0300 102 0008

n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412

n LANCASTER

Tel 01524 66475

nLIVERPOOL

Tel 0151 705 2307

n MANCHESTER

Tel 0161 835 2995

n MORECAMBE

Tel 01524 833456

n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173

n RUNCORN

Tel 01928 580182

n WIDNES

Tel 0151 257 9673

n SALFORD

ABEST-SELLING title by fantasy writer

Ben Aaronovitch has been chosen by members of the Listening Books charity as their book of the year

Listening Books provides audio books to people who have an illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health condition which makes reading print difficult or impossible

Actor Stephen Fry, the charity’s patron, presented the 2022 Members Choice Award to Aaronovitch for his

urban fantasy Rivers of London: Amongst Our Weapons

Aaronovitch, pictured, said: “I listen to books all the time and I think it is a wonderful way to hear a story After all, when you write you are hearing it in your head, and so having it spoken out loud is practically an extension of what you are doing!”

Membership is free to those who would find cost a barrier

n Listening Books: Tel 020 7407 9417

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121

n CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support Tel 01244 381515

n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474

n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613

n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555

n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 or 0151 708 7055

n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222

n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252

n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550

n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682

8019

n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256

n SIGHTLINE (North West)

Tel 0800 587 2252

n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891

n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877

HEARING ISSUES

n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101

n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831

n CUMBRIA Deaf Society

Tel 01228 606434

n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180

n MANCHESTER Deaf

Centre Tel 0161 273 3415

Genie Networks Tel 0161 941 4549

Text 18001 0161 941 4549

n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888

n SOUTHPORT Centre for the Deaf Tel 01704 537001

n ST HELENS: Deafness

Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887

n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902

Tel 0161 833 0217

n SEFTON

Tel 0151 288 6060

n ST HELENS

Tel 01744 675 615

n STOCKPORT

Tel 0161 442 0442

n WARRINGTON (WIRED)

Tel 01925 633 492

n WEST LANCS

Tel 01695 711243

n WIGAN & LEIGH

Tel 01942 705959 / 486923

MIDLANDS

n BIRMINGHAM

Tel 0121 675 8000

n SOLIHULL

Tel 0121 788 1143

n WALSALL

Tel 01922 610 810

NORTH WALES

n ANGLESEY

Tel 01248 722828

n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797

n CONWY

Tel 01492 533714

n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS

Tel: 0845 603 3187

nDOLGELLAU

Tel 01341 421167

n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436

n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE

18 All Together NOW! MAY-JUNE 2023 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

MEDICAL NOTES

keep you on your toes

YOU might think that our risk of falling as we grow older is all down to physical factors like frailty and limited mobility

But it seems the brain has a big say in the matter too

Researchers in the US say brain speed is a major risk factor for falls and that rewiring the brain can help people stay on their feet

Our brains start to slow down by very small amounts (measured in milliseconds – thousandths of a second) in our 20s

With each passing decade, the slowing grows, but may not be noticeable until our 40s or 50s, when we find ourselves increasingly pausing to think of a word

The same sort of slowing also impacts our processing speed and reaction time related to movement

Numerous studies have shown that slower visual processing speed puts us at a higher risk of falling and of suffering worse injuries as a result

But the decade-long ACTIVE study showed falls among older adults can be significantly reduced through a modest amount of a particular kind of computerised brain training.

Nearly three thousand people across the US took part in the study, which revealed that among those with a high chance of falling, training their brains to process thoughts more quickly lowered their risk by almost a third.

“Think about losing your balance and starting to fall,” said Dr. Mahncke, head of Posit Science, which makes the brain training app, BrainHQ.

“Your head suddenly begins to move through space in a downward direction, alerting your brain’s visual and balance systems that you are about to fall.

‘Big

S

UK researchers have helped to develop a new drug treatment that may slow the progress of the disease

A breakthrough study found that many of the features of human Alzheimer ’s, including memory loss and inflammation of the brain, could be treated in mice

The mice were given the new drug –known as a positive allosteric modulator, or M1-PAM – which is the result of more than a decade of research at the University of

CIENTISTS are celebrating “a substantial step forward” in the search for a treatment for Alzheimer ’s.Glasgow and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee

Professor Craig Lindsley, the lead scientist at Vanderbilt, said: “This is a very important moment, as we genuinely have the prospect of not only treating the symptoms of Alzheimer ’s disease, including memory loss, but that we might actually be able to slow the disease and increase the lifespan of sufferers from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer ’s ” Despite considerable effort by scientists across the world, attempts to find a drug that can halt or slow the progression of the disease have until now been unsuccessful

Professor Andrew Tobin, at the University of Glasgow, said: “The world desperately needs clues as to how to stop neurodegenerative diseases

“Our study is of critical importance as we show that many of the features of the disease seen in our animal model can be halted by our drug treatment ”

Dr Louis Dwomoh, lead author on the study from the University of Glasgow, adds: “It is a huge privilege to be involved in a study that provides hope for a treatment that may halt Alzheimer ’s disease The findings mark a substantial step forward in a potential treatment for this terrible disease

DEMENTIA:

know the risk and reduce it

HOW do you know what your risk is and what and how to change to reduce that risk?

That’s what the Food for the Brain Foundation has been working on for a decade

A free Cognitive Function Test is available on their website

You then complete a questionnaire that works out your future dementia risk index

It also tells you exactly what’s driving your risk up and what to do about it n www foodforthebrain org

TIME TO ACT: Four simple ways that could help protect you

FOUR-tify your brain

D

Sanna Mattila-Rautiainen, who led a team of researchers at the University of Eastern Finland, said: “The gait of a horse encourages the right kind of lumbar movement

“Patients with chronic pain tend to avoid the sensation of pain that comes from moving the affected part of their body

“However, when sitting on a moving horse, a person with low back pain will end up moving to the gait of the horse, which encourages the right kind of lumbar movement ”

A combination of fish oil, vitamin B supplements, more activity and less sugar is the key to protecting the brain, they say And specialists taking part in the worldwide Alzheimer ’s Prevention Conference say adding another four actions could reduce the threat of dementia by as much as two thirds

China’s leading dementia prevention expert, Professor Jin-Tai Yu, told the conference that a study of half a million people showed “higher blood levels of omega-3, and supplementing fish oils, is associated with less risk of dementia”

Professor Yu added that Vitamin B was “a most promising treatment” for lowering

EMENTIA experts taking part in a global summit reckon there are four easy ways to cut your risk of the condition by halflevels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which has been linked to cognitive impairment

The results are even better when you combine the two, according to Professor David Smith from Oxford University He said: “Research shows impressive results if you give omega-3 and B vitamins together rather than on their own ”

Tommy Wood, from the University of Washington, told the conference that exercise is important because “it makes the brain do things that keep it healthy, such as growth and repair”

“When they aren’t stimulated, the health of brain tissues deteriorates, with a knock-on effect on memory and thinking ”

It’s not just physical activity that does this, we also benefit from the mental exercise involved in things like solving puzzles or learning a language

“For many people the worst thing they can do for their brain is to retire,” said Mr Wood “They lose much of the stimulation that kept it healthy ”

The conference was told that sugar levels can also affect the risk of developing dementia

A US study concluded that “a high level of sugar and insulin in the blood – linked with a high carbohydrate diet – is definitely a driver for Alzheimer ’s ”

Hosted by UK charity foodforthebrain org, the audience heard that four other actions can further reduce your risk of dementia –eating antioxidants from fruit and veg; having a healthy gut; sleeping well; and controlling stress

And they agreed that targeting all eight risk factors earlier in life may reduce risk by two thirds

step forward’ in Alzheimer ’s battle

Future hopes after HIV ‘jet lag’ discovery

SYMPTOMS similar to chronic jet lag have been discovered in people with HIV.

Researchers found the body’s daily rhythm – essential for good health – is delayed by more than an hour on average in HIV positive patients Their sleep also started later and finished earlier

All of this suggests the possibility that HIV infection may cause a circadian rhythm disorder similar to that experienced in shift

work or jet lag, they say And the findings, from researchers at universities in South Africa and the UK, may explain some of the health problems experienced by people with HIV, and lead to research that will improve their quality of life

People aged 45 and over in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, where the infection is endemic and does not associate with any difference in lifestyle, agreed to take part in the study

Mum’s plea to students: Get vaxxed

l A HEARTBROKEN mother is urging young people across the North West to have a potentially life-saving vaccination

l Meningococcal disease can cause serious illnesses, including meningitis and septiceemia, which can be deadly and require urgent treatment

l University student Teygan had everything to live for His mum, Ailsa, describes her devastating loss

TEYGAN was 19 when he went to Manchester University to study Russian. The middle child of three and the first to go to uni, he was very excited

He soon made friends in his halls We would have short text messages and phone calls to reassure us he was happy, settling into student life and coping with his course

Although there were no general concerns health-wise, he did have a cough, which was noticeable when he spoke on the phone

This seemed to persist for a few weeks but never seemed to bother him much

Whenever I brought attention to it, he would say ‘well mum, everyone has a cough!’ and I

MEDICAL NOTES

“The participants living with HIV essentially experience the one-hour disruption associated with switching to daylight savings time – but every single morning,” said Professor Malcolm von Schantz, professor of chronobiology at Northumbria University

“This happens in spite of the fact that essentially everybody is exposed to the same light-dark cycle Our findings have important potential implications for the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV ”

Ancient viruses key to future treatments

ANCIENT viruses could hold the key to treating a wide range of genetic diseases in the future

Scientists have been studying a group of small viruses, called parvoviruses, which infect mammals including humans without causing disease

By “fossilising” the viruses, researchers can see how they have evolved in mammals over millions of years, taking on different specialised properties along the way

Dr Rob Gifford, an evolutionary biologist at Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research, said: “This study reveals exciting insights into the long term evolutionary history of an important virus group Parvovirus gene therapy is a cutting-edge biomedical technology ”

He added that ”studying the natural biology and evolutionary history of parvoviruses” could help lead to “safer and more effective gene therapies ”

Aim of the game

COULD it be a game changer for the “silent killer”?

A digital game has been launched which it is hoped will improve awareness of pancreatic cancer, whose early symptoms can be hard to detect

was reassured by friends who had children at uni that it was probably fresher ’s flu – something every student seems to get

TRAGIC: Teygan had no idea he was so ill

Teygan came home for a few days during October half term and, apart from tiredness, gave no cause for concern He returned to uni and went out for Halloween, then out again on the Saturday night

On the Sunday, he went to bed and stayed there the whole day A check was made on him by someone in the halls around 8pm and it was said he gave the impression he was feeling better, but the conversation was held through his door He was not seen

About an hour later, he got up and opened

his door but collapsed in the hallway He was found by a friend who immediately saw he had a rash His friend knew it was one of the signs of meningitis and rang for an ambulance straight away But he could not be saved

As a family, we are united in our grief and shock at what happened No one had any real awareness of the risks of meningitis at university, neither family nor friends I realise now that we have to change this perception and make it one of the first things families think of when a student starts preparing for university

Be sure it’s not more than a hangover

THE symptoms of meningitis can be confused with flu, a hangover, or Covid-19, and students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs

Dr Caroline Rumble, from the UK Health Security Agency, North West, said: “We encourage all students heading to university or college to ensure they’re up to date with their vaccinations which will help to protect them against lifethreatening diseases like meningitis

“First-year or returning students can be at increased risk of infections including meningitis, as they mix with large numbers of other students from around the country and overseas

“All students should ask their GP if they’re up to date with their MenACWY (meningitis) vaccinations and be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia – don’t assume it’s a hangover or flu Look out for a blotchy rash that

doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, a fever, aching muscles/joints and a stiff neck

Dr Rumble, a consultant in health protection, added: “If you’re unwell, make sure a friend knows and stay in touch regularly with friends who are ill These diseases can progress rapidly so if you think you or a friend could have meningitis do seek urgent medical help ”

n Meningitis Now Helplne 0808 80 10 388

The Pancreatic Cancer Awareness game was co-created by Focus Games Ltd, Queen’s University Belfast and pancreatic cancer charity NIPANC.

Gary Mitchell, from Queen’s, said: “Games have shown promising results in raising awareness and changing perceptions ”

The early bid wins’

ARE you an early bird? Or a night owl?

The answer might affect your health. Our activity patterns and sleep cycles may influence our risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to research.

Those who stay up later have are less able to use fat for energy, meaning fats may build-up in the body, the study suggested

Professor Steven Malin, who led the research at Rutgers University, New Jersey, said: “The differences in fat metabolism between early birds and night owls shows that our body’s circadian rhythm (wake/sleep cycle) could affect how our bodies use insulin ”

reaching people who are digitally excluded

Until May 27: A Thong for Europe Royal Court, Liverpool Lulu (Lindzi Germain), is the biggest Eurovision nut that you will ever meet When Liverpool won the right to host the competition, she knew that this was her big chance to make her dream come true and be there on the night itself

May 2-7: Unexpected Twist The Lowry, Salford Re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic Shona and her class are studying Oliver Twist She’s the new girl in school and is finding it hard to stay out of trouble – much like Oliver himself When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she’s met

May 2-6: The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Empire, Liverpool Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play He's transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn't a pond, but an ocean–a place where everything is possible

May 2-6: Rock of Ages Venue Cymru

May 2-6: Pride and Prejudice (*sort of) Grand, Blackpool Unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story

May 4: Marti Pellow – Pellow Talk Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

May 5: The Zombies – The Invaders Return Tour. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

May 5: Marti Pellow: Pellow Talk

Venue Cymru

May 5: Paul Smith – Joker Pavilion, Rhyl

May 6: Genesis Visible Touch – The Shapes Album at 40 Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

May 6: The Dolly Show Pavilion, Rhyl Tribute show

May 6: Supreme Queen Theatre Royal, St Helens Tribute show

May 7: The Magic of Motown Empire, Liverpool Tribute show

May 7: Legends of American Country. Grand, Blackpool

May 8-13: Annie Regent, Stoke Musical starring Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan

May 9: Frankie Boyle Grand, Blackpool

May 9-13: The King and I Palace, Manchester

May 9-10: Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals The Lowry, Salford

May 10: Dara O’Briain Grand, Blackpool

Mar 11-13: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Empire, Liverpool With a fantastical flying car, a heartwarming love story, and whole bunch of teamwork, this timeless story is brought to life in a spectacular musical adaptation of the iconic family film

May 11: The Simon and Garfunkel Story.

Grand, Blackpool

May 12: Tapped by Katie Redford Octagon, Bolton Witty and sensitive portrayal of managing mental health within a family

May 13: 80s Show. Pavilion, Rhyl

May 13: Rock of Ages Lyceum, Crewe

May 13: Lost in Music – One Night at the Disco Grand, Blackpool

May 14: Katie Melua. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

BLACKPOOL

Grand Theatre:

01253 290190

BOLTON

Octagon: 01204 520661

CHESTER

Storyhouse: 01244 409 113

CREWE

Lyceum: 01270 368 242

LIVERPOOL

Empire: 08444 999 999

Everyman & Playhouse:

0151 709 4776

Philharmonic Hall:

0151 709 3789

Royal Court: 0870 787 1866

Unity 0151 709 4988

LLANDUDNO

Venue Cymru:

01492 872000

MOLD:

Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565

Roger ’s return

MANCHESTER

Opera House: 0870 401 9000

Palace: 0870 401 3000

SALFORD

The Lowry: 0843 208 6000

Access line: 0333 320 2838

NEW BRIGHTON

Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000

RHYL:

Pavilion: 01745 330 000

RUNCORN

The Brindley: 0151 907 8360

ST HELENS:

Theatre Royal: 01744 756000

STOKE:

Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

CHESTER:

Storyhouse: 01244 409 113

NEW and old poems from Liverpool’s 85-year-old wordsmith

May 19: Roger McGough – Alive and Giggling Playhouse, Liverpool

BACK to the decade of electronics, experimentation, synthesizers and great song

writing

May 15: Midge

Ure The Voice & Vision Tour: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool; and May 29, Venue

Cymru, Llandudno

MAKE TIME FOR

May 15-20: Sister Act Empire, Liverpool All your prayers have been answered with a stunning cast, including Lesley Joseph, Lizzie Bea and Sandra Marvin as Deloris, everyone’s favourite nun on the run!

May 15-20: Annie. Venue Cymru The smashhit production with Jodie Prenger as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!

May 15: Midge Ure Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

May 16-27: Greatest Days. Palace, Manchester Relight Your Fire with this sensational new production of Take That’s smash hit musical Follows five best friends in the 1990s who reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrobs one last Previously titled The Band, the show broke box office records when it performed from 2017 – 2019

May 16-20: The Spongebob Musical Opera House, Manchester

May 16-20: Julius Caesar Grand, Blackpool

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s fast-faced political thriller Captioned Jul 18; Integrated BSL performance Jul 19; audio described

Jul 20

May 17: Dreamcoat Stars Pavilion, Rhyl

May 17-Jun 3: The Book of Will Octagon, Bolton Shakespeare has barely been dead for

three years when a pirated Hamlet rip-off hits a stage near the Globe Theatre Audio described May 23; signed, captioned

May 31

May 19: Roger McGough: Alive and Giggling Playhouse, Liverpool

May 19: Roy Chubby Brown.

Theatre Royal, St Helens

May 19: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners Regent, Stoke

May 19: Daniel O’Donnell Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

May 20: Johannes Radebe: Freedom

Unleased Regent, Stoke

May 20: The Rocket Man – A tribute to Elton

John William Aston Hall, Wrexham

May 20: This Is Britpop! Pavilion, Rhyl

May 20: Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party

Lyceum, Crewe

May 20: The Lancashire Hot Pots: Good Times Theatre Royal, St Helens

May 21: Sensational 60s Experience

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

May 21: Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story Regent, Stoke

May 21: Carducci String Quartet Theatr

Clwyd

May 21: Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed.Venue Cymru

May 21: Ceri Dupree Grand, Blackpool The finest female impersonator treading the boards today

May 21: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners Empire, Liverpool

May 22-27: The Way Old Friends

Do. The Lowry, Salford New comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens In 1988, two Birmingham school friends tentatively come out to one another: one as gay, the other – more shockingly – as an ABBA fan

May 22: Mike and The Mechanics: Refueled! Venue Cymru

May 22: Frankie Boyle – Lap of Shame

Lyceum, Crewe

May 23-27: Steel Magnolias Playhouse, Liverpool Hilarious and heart-warming true story that inspired the hit film

May 23-27: Wish You Were Dead The Lowry, Salford When Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and Cleo Morey take their first holiday together, Cleo hopes she will finally get Grace to herself for a few days and away from his crime solving exploits But their dream escape turns out to be the holiday from hell, as the past comes back to haunt them

Signed May 24; audio described / touch tour May 26.

Jodie’s on to a shore thing

CORONATION

Street star Jodie

Prenger is swapping the cobbles for the beach

The Blackpool actress stars as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan in the smash-hit production of Annie, coming to Llandudno direct from London’s West End Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a

fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks. But spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas . . . May 15-20: Annie Venue Cymru, Llandudno Signed, May 18

A GOOD GIGGLE

May 23-27: Unexpected Twist Grand, Blackpool Re-telling of Charles Dickens’ Oliver

Twist

May 23: An Audience with Liverpool Legends. Lyceum, Crewe

May 24: The Scummy Mummies: Greatest Hits Lyceum, Crewe

May 24: Sounds of the 70s Live with Tony Blackburn Empire, Liverpool

May 25: Russell Howard. Empire, Liverpool

May 25: Frankie Boyle Opera House, Manchester

May 25: The Sensational 60s Experience Lyceum, Crewe

May 26: Calling Planet Earth Lyceum, Crewe

May 26: Roy “Chubby” Brown Pavilion, Rhyl

May 26: Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up Storyhouse, Chester

May 27: The Mersey Beatles Theatre Royal, St Helens

May 27: Peter Andre Lyceum, Crewe

May 27: Carrie Hope Fletcher: An Open Book Venue Cymru, Llandudno Liverpool Songs from her appearances in Heathers, Les Misérables, The Addams Family and many more, interspersed with chat about

May 28: Beach Boyz Octagon, Bolton

May 29: Midge Ure: The Voice & Vision Tour Venue Cymru, Llandudno

May 29-Jun 3: The Commitments Venue Cymru Fantastically feel good celebration of soul based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic Starring Nigel Pivaro (Coronation Street) as Da

May 30-Jun 3: The King and I Regent, Stoke

Musical

May 31- Jun 3: The Wizard of Oz. Grand, Blackpool Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company

Jun 1: Midnight Train to Georgia Pavilion, Rhyl

Jun 1: Ministry of Science Live. Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 1: Carrie Hope Fletcher Empire, Liverpool Songs from her appearances in Heathers, Les Misérables, The Addams Family and many more, interspersed with chat about Carrie’s fascinating life and career

Jun 2: A Fright in the Museum Pavilion, Rhyl Danny and Mick and their dad, Clive, have decided they don’t make enough money from their circus, so they get themselves part time jobs as night watchmen in the museum to make ends meet However, things do not go according to plan

Jun 2: Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 2: The Fleetwood Mac Legacy Theatre

Royal, St Helens Tribute show

Jun 3: Barry Steele and Friends – The Roy Orbison Stiory Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 3: Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 4: Seven Drunken Nights Grand, Blackpool The story of the Dubliners

Jun 5-10: Annie Empire, Liverpool Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage

Jun 5-10: The Commitments. Opera House, Manchester Get ready for a feel-good celebration of soul Based on the BAFTA awardwinning film classic, the ups and downs of an Irish soul band

Jun 5: In Conversation with Stacey Dooley –Are You Really OK? The Lowry, Salford Stacey opens up the conversation about mental health in young people to challenge the stigma and stereotypes around it

Jun 6: In Conversation with Stavey Dooley –

Are You Really OK? Understanding Britain’s Mental Health Emergency Storyhouse, Chester

Jun 7: An Audience with Manchester United

Legends Bryan Robson and Brian McClair with host, Jed Stone Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 8: Psychic Sally Grand, Blackpool

Jun 8: Northern Live Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 9-Jul 8: Vernons Girls Royal Court, Liverpool Join Vernons Pools worker 16-year-old Peggy in a show that celebrates the sheer joy of being a teenager in the exciting days of the 1950s Glamour, celebrities and great music all combine for the birth of a Liverpool rock and roll story to match any other

Jun 9-Jul 1: Blonde Bombshells of 1943. Octagon, Bolton Lavish new production with live music and stellar performances The Blonde Bombshells, the most glamorous all-girl swing band in the North, loses members every time they play a GI camp Now there’s an important BBC job in the offing and Betty needs to find new musicians fast Signed, captioned June 20; audio described, June 28

Jun 9: Roy Chubby Brown Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 9: Psychic Sally Pavilion, Rhyl

Jun 9: Francis Rossie – Tunes & Chat Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 9: Hits out of Hell: The Legend of Meat Loaf Theatre Royal, St Helens Trubute show

Jun 10: A Night at the Musicals Theatre

Royal, St Helens

Jun 10: Whitney – Queen of the Night Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Tribute show

Jun 10: Bye Bye Baby Lyceum, Crewe Tribute show

Jun 10: Breakin’ Convention. Grand, Blackpool Ground-breaking festival of hip hop dance theatre

Jun 11: Lipstick on your Collar Grand, Blackpool Musical Step back in time to the golden era of music where your feet didn’t touch the floor

Jun 11: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 14: The Simon & Garfunkel Story Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 15-Aug 27: The Great Gatsby Dolphin Pub, Mold Here’s your invitation to the best roaring 1920s party ever! Theatr Clwyd’s hit show returns and this is going to be the afterparty of the century Cocktails are flowing in an era of bootleg liquor and red hot jazz 1920s dress code encouraged, dancing shoes recommended! Audio described / touch tours Jul 5, 28, Aug 25; Signed Jun 28, Jul 22,

Aug 23

Jun 16: Phil Wang – Wang in There, Baby! Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 16: The Merseybeats Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 16: YES Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Progressive legends return to Liverpool

Jun 17: The Searchers. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Jun 18: Ministry of Science Grand Blackpool

The UK’s favourite science team Ministry of Science are back and more explosive than ever! Join our presenters as they dive deep into the world of science

Jun 19-24: The Mousetrap Grand, Blackpool

The genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time

Jun 18: The Very Best of Tommy Cooper. Theatre Royal, St Helens

Jun 20-24: RSC:

Julius Caesar

The Lowry, Salford

n Continued from Page 21

Jun 23: The McCartney Songbook Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

Jun 23: Tom Davis – Work in Progress

Storyhouse, Chester

Jun 23: Anything For Love. Lyceum, Crewe

Tribute show

Jun 24: Roy Lambert presents Perfectly George Pavilion, Rhyl George Michael tribute show

Jun 24-25: Russell Howard Opera House, Manchester

Jun 25: Sun Records The Concert – 70th Anniversary Lyceum, Crewe

June 25: This is Elvis Grand, Blackpool Ben Portsmouth’s tribute show

Jun 26-Jul 1: Strictly Ballroom The Lowry, Salford

Jun 27-Jul 1: Quality Street Grand, Blackpool

Jun 27-Jul 1: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Regent, Stoke

Jun 27: Frankie Boyle Empire, Liverpool

Jun 28: Forbidden Nights. Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 29: The Diana Ross Story Lyceum, Crewe

Jun 30: Bronwen Lewis 2023 – More from The Living Room Pavilion, Rhyl

Jul 1: The Rocket Man – A Tribute to Elton John Empire, Liverpool

Jul 4-8: Heathers The Musical Empire, Liverpool Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day

But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody

Jul 2: Elton John Show Grand, Blackpool

Tribute show

Jul 4-8: Titanic the Musical. The Lowry, Salford In the final hours of 14th April 1912 the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg The “unsinkable ship” slowly

sank

Jul 4-30: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical. Palace, Manchester Escape to a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical

Jul 7: Steve Steinman’s Anything for Love

Grand, Blackpool The Meat Loaf story

Jul 10-15: The Rocky Horror Show. Lyceum, Crewe

Jul 13-14: Seussical JR Regent, Stoke

Jul 14: Simon & Garfunkel – Through the Years Octagon, Bolton Tribute show

Jul 15: Don’t Stop Queen Now Octagon, Bolton Tribute show Jul 15: Anton & Giovanni

– Him and Me Regent, Stoke

Jul 23: Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party

Lyceum, Crewe

Jul 23: The Very Best of Tommy Cooper Grand, Blackpool

Jul 27: Tim Vine –Breeeep! Lyceum, Crewe

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

More money will pour in, giving you the resources to purchase beautiful luxuries The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for going to a job interview or audition Your charisma will soar on the 20th; use it to lure an attractive person into your web of intrigue Domestic activities are a profound source of pleasure during June; take this opportunity to connect with your nearest and dearest Your charisma gets a big boost, possibly triggering a friend’s jealousy Emerging from a self-imposed period of solitude makes the 17th a happy day for you It’s nice to resume your busy social life The New Moon on the 18th warns against blurting out a friend’s secrets; do your best to maintain their privacy

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Taking a pleasure trip is worth your time and money; you’ll get an energy boost from the beautiful surroundings You’ll be looking your best on the 19th, courtesy of a supportive New Moon Launching a home improvement project is favoured for the 20th Your charming way with words attracts an artistic admirer in June This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship The Full Moon on the 4th brings an end to a period of intense spending, allowing you to build up savings again An original idea for a business is worth developing on this magical day Your home life is a source of tremendous happiness, but beware of a relative who will try to take advantage of your generosity

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

The Lunar Eclipse brings an end to an exhausting time that wreaked havoc with your schedule Try devoting more time to solitary and spiritual pursuits The Full Moon on the 4th brings exciting news from a business or romantic partner The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for taking a relaxing break, preferably to a place that’s famous for its natural beauty June’s Full Moon on the 4th brings exciting news from a business or romantic partner Trust your instincts on the 11th, as they will lead you to a lucrative opportunuty that brings financial stability It’s best to listen more than you speak on the 15th – you will learn a lot

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

It’s time to change your priorities Your natural good looks and charisma will soar Give yourself permission to go after a cherished dream On the 16th, you’ll rub elbows with some innovative and enthusiastic people These new friends will help you cultivate your natural leadership ability Trust your intuition about an emotional or financial opportunity on the 21st June’s Full Moon helps you achieve a fitness goal Give yourself a handsome reward for all your hard work A romantic attraction is too powerful to resist on the 11th; be guided by your heart instead of your head Plans to travel or take a course could be cancelled on the 17th; try not to be disappointed

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

A relationship that has undergone dramatic changes will begin to stabilise and the Lunar Eclipse marks the end of a painful domestic situation Feel free to move forward with a stalled project on the 15th, when obstacles will vanish into thin air Don’t be surprised if you’re offered a dream opportunity on the 19th, courtesy of the New Moon You could meet someone special on the 21st through a mutual friend June’s Full Moon on the 4th brings about an exciting change in your life Your star power is tremendous on the 5th On the 18th, the New Moon can stir up problems in your social life It’s

possible a friend won’t pay back a loan, causing you to reconsider your relationship

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

A health matter that needs your attention will cause you to slow down Trust your body’s signals, especially when you feel tired or anxious Your romantic life will undergo a beautiful transformation on the 16th, whether you’re single or attached The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for taking a vacation or indulging in a passionate rendezvous June’s Full Moon urges you to move on to bigger and better things It may be impossible to resist the allure of a magnetic romantic interest on the 11th Be open to embarking on a relationship with someone who has an earthy sense of humour The strain on a close partnership will weaken on the 17th; meeting with the one you love will be easier

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

A powerful attraction will release its hold on your heart, allowing you to turn your attention to other areas of life Landing a long-term work assignment on the 13th is a distinct possibility The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for indulging your sensual side, either with a romantic partner or a spa treatment A surprise windfall comes your way on the 26th June’s Full Moon on the 4th brings a close to an incredibly busy period for you, giving you a chance for a much-needed rest Beware of steering a friendship into romantic waters on the 5th; it’s probably best to keep things platonic Prepare for some drama at home

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Big changes on the home front will slow down, giving you a chance to adjust to all the shifts that have recently happened The Lunar Eclipse forces you to abandon some attitudes that have been undermining a solid bond On the 16th, your personal life will become a source of profound joy when someone admits their love and admiration for you June’s Full Moon marks

the end of a source of earned income Once this assignment ends Don’t let a pushy relative discourage you from pursuing a new goal; you need to remember that your words have power Make it your mission to only speak positive words, especially about yourself

SAGITTARIUS

November 23rd-December 21st

Confusing feelings could create problems in a close relationship Resist the urge to compare yourself to someone you admire You have unique talents and abilities that will put you on a different but rewarding path The New Moon on the 19th drops a wonderful offer in your lap Friendship could easily turn to romance on the 21st Adopting a new lifestyle allows you to travel more freely in June The 11th helps you find a source of passive income; it will be so much fun to get paid for doing a bare minimum of work Pressure at home will ease on the 17th, deepening your enjoyment of domestic activities The New Moon on the 18th warns against getting involved in an intense partnership It’s better to take things slow so you two can develop trust

CAPRICORN

(December 22nd-January 20th)

Your financial situation will stabilise The Lunar Eclipse causes a rift between you and a flighty friend who demands constant attention On the 16th, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your love life If you’ve been looking for a partner, you could meet someone with a wonderfully earthy sense of humour The New Moon on the 19th is perfect for taking a financial or emotional risk The Full Moon in June brings an end to a period of isolation for you At long last, you can devote time to a close relationship that brings you joy On the 11th, you’ll resume a high-profile role that allows you to exercise your leadership ability You’ll enjoy using this position to make order out of chaos

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Your determination to move mountains could diminish, allowing you to adopt a slower pace toward goals Starting a home-based business can restore your high spirits and optimism Pay attention to a powerful desire to relocate to a bigger, better home on the 16th You could stumble across the perfect place to live on the 19th, courtesy of the New Moon As June arrives, try not to scare off someone special with your intense personality; you can be quite intimidating without knowing it Returning to a spiritual matter will be soothing on the 11th; it’s important to escape the pressures of the material world from time to time Financial constraints ease on the 17th

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Don’t let your family spoil your enthusiasm Your ability to stay calm under pressure will cause someone to give you a great creative opportunity Fabulous ideas will come fast and furious, and your guardian angels will be working overtime on your behalf June 2nd is one of the most romantic days of the year for you If you’re single, you could meet someone special On the 4th, the Full Moon brings a spectacular career opportunity into your orbit; accept this offer with an open and grateful heart Work commitments prevent you from attending a social event on the 5th; try not to be bitter Fortunately, your professional commitments will easeon the 17th, giving you more time for the people and activities you love

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES

DAHLIAS started life as a range of species in Central America, always with woody, hollow stems and often very tall

Aztecs used them as water pipes for irrigation, and their word for the plant has been translated as “water pipe flower ”

They also grew dahlia tubers as a food crop

Following the Spanish Conquest, attempts were made to introduce it as food crop in Europe but without success

Tubers found their way to the Royal Gardens of Madrid, where the director, Abbe Antonio Jose Cavanilles, a 16th-century priest and botanist, collected and named

POPULAR: Dahlias, large and small, add colour to gardens

at least 100 kinds of plant.

He named the dahlia after Anders Dahl, a Swedish scholar and botanist who not only travelled abroad in his search for plants but

. . . DAHLIAS CHECKLIST

became curator of a major botanical garden where he catalogued a vast range of plants and then a professor at a Helsinki university.

HOW SAFE IS YOUR GARDEN?

HERE’S an important quiz for gardeners

especially those with children around:

1 When working in the garden, do you leave sharp tools where children can reach them and, when finished, leave them lying around while you have a cup of tea?

2 Are there any plants in your garden that can cause poisoning if eaten or blisters if touched?

3 Do you leave your lawnmower or other electrical tools plugged in and unattended?

4 When the paddling pool is filled, or if you have a pond, are small children allowed in the garden on their own?

5 Do you let children play in the garden shed?

The answer to each question should be no but, sadly, it is yes in thousands of homes In 2022, 110,00 children were injured in the garden, according to the Department of Trade and Industry’s home accident surveillance system

And May is the peak month for accidents

Toddlers are naturally curious and slightly older children try to “help’” parents

In either case, that can lead them to handle shears and electrical equipment, often with tragic results

Sheds are another trap where children can trip

over cables, spill chemicals or pull tools down from benches or hooks on to themselves Water fascinates children – and it can be a fatal fascination A number drown every year in paddling pools and shallow ponds

A pond can be converted into a sand-pit until the kids are older Several common garden plants are toxic to a greater or lesser extent

Stag’s horn sumach, euphorbia and the herb rue can cause skin problems if handled while laburnum, yew and hemlock, a hedgerow plant, can kill if eaten

Anyone moving to a new house with young children should check what plants are growing in the garden and remove any dangerous kinds or ensure youngsters understand the hazard

Not only children are at risk from garden mishaps Altogether about 300,000 people are hurt in their gardens each year seriously enough to go to hospital

He died in 1789 at the aged of 38 – two years before the dahlia was named after him Since then many hundreds of dahlia varieties have been developed in virtually every colour except blue They range from small bedding types to tall kinds with enormous flower heads for borders and competitive dahlia shows There are so many that they are officially classified in 10 groups, the most recognisable being the Single group, the Pompon with globular flowers, the Decorative, producing huge, multi-petalled blooms, and the Cactus, with numerous petals which furl to a point

FLOWERS: From June onwards spend a few minutes every day trimming the dead flower heads off container blooms and sweet peas to encourage continuous flowering

PATIOS: Plant up tubs and hanging baskets in May Make sure the compost in containers does not dry out and give a liquid feed once a week

SHRUBS AND

TREES: Prune shrubs that have flowered this year

Cut out dead wood, weak growth and crossing branches then trim to keep the shape balanced Do not prune shrubs and trees which have still to bloom this year

LAWNS: Spike lawns, especially if they are damp or mossy, then apply a spring lawn feed, mosskiller or lawn weedkiller as appropriate

Around 87,000 are injured actively gardening or carrying out DIY jobs in the garden Men have more accidents in the garden than women and, apart from children, people aged 30 to 60 are most likely to be injured

Safety often depends on using the right equipment for the job and making sure they are of decent quality and in good repair That applies not only to electrical appliances but also to such tools as spades and hoes, as well as cutting gear like shears and secateurs

In addition, sturdy gloves and footwear can prevent nasty cuts and bruises

The top ten list of most dangerous garden objects, compiled by RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) are:

1 Lawnmowers, 6,500 accidents in the UK each year

2 Flowerpots, 5,300 (people trip over them)

3 Secateurs and pruners, 4,400

4 Spades, 3,600

5 Electric hedge-trimmers, 3,100

6 Plant tubs and troughs, 2,800

7 Shears, 2,100

8 Garden forks, 2,000

9 Hoses and sprinklers, 1,900

10 Garden canes and sticks, 1,800

PONDS: Water lilies and other pond species need feeding just like any other plant: use special pond fertiliser pellets pushed down into the roots

FRUIT: Apples or pears that have been infested with grubs in the past can be sprayed with an insecticide when the petals have fallen

VEGETABLES: Sow French and runner beans in mid or late May

HOUSEPLANTS: Water more freely, feed regularly and do not leave plants in full sun all day except for types really suited to hot conditions

PRETTY BUT POISONOUS – laburnum’s golden flowers

STARSPOT CROSSWORD

Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this Starspot Crossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way then make a note of the letters contained in all the squares which are marked with shaded stars. These letters will make an anagram of the name you are looking for.

The Accumulator Quiz

E ach question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point:

Which English king had a spaniel named after him?

A Charles II

B William IV

C Henry VIII D George III

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points:

Which TV comedy series featured a sketch about a dead Norwegian Blue parrot?

A The Goodies

B The Two Ronnies

C Monty Python’s Flying Circus

D Fawlty Towers

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points:

What is the unit for measuring the height of a horse?

A Finger

B Hand

C Foot

D Leg

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points:

Who was Bob Cratchit’s son in A Christmas

Carol?

A CROSSDOWN

A Little Jack Horner

B Tiny Tim

C Little Willie

D Tom Thumb

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points:

What is a chukka?

7. Become ice (6)

12. Haste (4)

13. Mend socks (4)

14. Board game (4)

17. Egg (4)

18. Common sense (inf.) (4)

19. Row (4)

21. Indifference (6)

22. Season (6)

SUDOKU

A A period of play in polo

B An early Roman catapult

C An Indian feast

D A nightclub doorman

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points:

In 2014 actress Gillian Anderson was widely acclaimed for her London performance in the role of Blanche DuBois in which Tennessee Williams play?

A The Glass Menagerie

B A Streetcar Named Desire

C Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

D The Night of the Iguana

THERE is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess.

EASYDIFFICULT

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points:

The Galilean moons, named in honour of Galileo, are moons orbiting which planet?

A Venus B Mars

C Jupiter

D Saturn

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which country won the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal in 2012?

A Netherlands

B Great Britain

C Australia

D Germany

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What is studied by a herpetologist?

A Reptiles

B Fish

C Butterflies and moths

D Bees

FILL in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners. You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: With which art movement is Roy Lichtenstein associated?

A Surrealism

B Super-Realism

C Pop Art

D Neo-Expressionism

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which of the following is one-tenth of a nautical mile?

A A chain

B A cable

C A pole

D A knot

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points:

Actor Bradley Walsh is the regular questionmaster and host on which TV game show?

A Pointless

B Only Connect

C The Chase

D Countdown

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points:

A crossed-out triangle on laundry labels means what?

A Do not bleach

B Do not spin dry

C Do not boil

D Dry clean only

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which city stands on the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan?

A Caracas

B Veracruz

C Mexico City

D San Salvador

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Which architect designed London’s Crystal Palace?

A William Burges

B John Nash

C John Soane

D Joseph Paxton

Actress Gillian Anderson. See Question 6

CROSS CODE

DIALLING CODES

Telephone dialling pads combine several letters on one key. Here we have encoded several sets of words or items by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into groups of three characters and run all the names one after another to make your task a little more difficult. Can you crack the codes?

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off.

Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

SPOT CHECK

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 9?

WORD WIZARD

Here is an unusual word with three definitions, only one of which is correct. Can you identify the right definition?

TOKAY

1) A Maori priest, a wise man with healing powers;

MAKE

A

Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT – DOOR – MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out a unit of liquid measurement.

In which year did all three of these significant historical events take place?

1. After almost 30 years of fighting, Apache leader Geronimo surrenders with his last band of warriors to General Nelson Miles.

2. Karl Benz patents the first petrol-driven motor car.

1886; d) 1890; e) 1894.

ALL THE ANSWERS

4. The Vicar Of Dibley; ‘Allo ‘Allo!; Last Of The Summer Wine; Only Fools And Horses; Fawlty Towers; Dinnerladies.

3. The Taming Of The Shrew; Julius Caesar; Cymbeline; As You Like It; Coriolanus; Measure For Measure; The Tempest.

=

A = 1; B

2. Psycho; Scream; Poltergeist; The Wicker Man; Halloween; The Fly; Rosemary’s Baby; The Exorcist; The Shining; Alien.

1. keyboard; monitor; hard drive; memory stick; printer; router; speaker; server; graphics card; mouse; webcam; scanner.

5. Sarajevo; Sochi; Salt Lake City; Sapporo; Lillehammer; Albertville; St Moritz; Vancouver; Grenoble; Nagano; Calgary.

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. A tokay is a gecko. Dialling Codes

2) A gecko, native to the Malay archipelago and southeast Asia;

3) A feathered headdress worn by Aztec warriors, to which an additional plume was added for each enemy soldier slain.

TAKE YER COSSIE

TO THE CAZZIE

LIVERPOOL’S docklands play such a dominant role in its history that it’s hard to imagine the city’s entire waterfront was once largely unspoilt sand and shingle beach

But with the coming of the Industrial Revolution, and the building of seven and a half miles of dense docklands on the banks of the Mersey, through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, that shoreline was lost forever

Only a small stretch of natural beach remains in the isolated hamlets of Oglet and Dungeon, near the southern district of Speke And there are fears this too may fall prey to development plans

One of the riverfront areas particularly despoiled was the Dingle district, just north of Speke Even so, a short length of shoreline was not actually built over until the early-1980s Until then it remained a local playground and swimming area for local people For decades it was

known as “The Cast-Iron Shore” or “The Cazzie”, and is still fondly remembered by many older Liverpudlians

The name dates from 1815, and refers to the cast iron produced at the vast Mersey Forge Iron Foundry that stood near the Dingle waterfront, on each side of Sefton Street

This had been established in 1810, and produced cast and forged iron Steel was also manufactured here, using massive, pivoting furnaces called Bessemer converters

1856, the gigantic Horsfall Gun This was then the largest gun in existence, weighing 21 tons 17cwt

When it was tested on Liverpool’s North Shore, the streets were decked out with bunting and a huge crowd gathered to witness a 300lb ball being shot for a distance of five miles

The giant cannon was intended to be used in the Crimean War, fought since 1853 by Turkey, France and Britain against Russia But, to the disappointment of the Forge owners and workers, the war ended three days after the gun was finished

all around, as well as the shore and the rocks

The beach now took on all the colour shades of metal – from yellow and orange, through red and blue, to grey and black –hence the name then given to the shore by local people

After the closure of the Mersey Forge, in 1898, this section of the river ’s edge became a very popular swimming spot for local children and young men, and a picnic destination for families

Mersey Forge Disappeared

There were also huge smelting and puddling yards, great rolling and stamping mills, and a 15-ton steam-hammer, whose persistent thump, thump, thumping was loud enough to be heard on the other side of the river, and which was finally silenced after many complaints and a court hearing

At its peak, the Mersey Forge employed 1,500 men This ironworks also made armour plating and armaments including, in

When the Liverpool to Garston railway was being cut through the south docks, in 1864, the forge had to move to three new sites, separated by Grafton and Horsfall Streets but connected by long, wide, and very busy tunnels, that are still there beneath the modern streets

At a time before health and safety laws and environmental awareness, the spoil from this heavy industry was allowed to run off, heavily tainting and discolouring the land

No one minded the colour of the water or the polluted state of the Cast Iron Shore, why would they?

The Forge sites were eventually demolished, cleared, and built over Then, in 1982, the Cazzie too disappeared as work began on reclaiming the land for conversion into a new riverside walkway and embankment This would form part of the International Garden Festival: But that’s another story

DAY OUT A family stroll on the Cazzie

Below, The Mersey Forge

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